Unwanted loneliness in the elderly is one of the main problems that this group of the population has to deal with. A situation that entails various harmful effects, according to studies, such as a greater probability of suffering from poor health and even chronic diseases, as well as suffering from depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. And this problem only gets worse during the summer season, as reflected in the results offered by the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services, IMSERSO.
Summer is the time of the year in which the elderly show a greater decline, exemplified by an increase of 11.4%, due to isolation. These months are characterized by being vacation and travel time. Activities in which a large part of the elderly do not participate, either because their health prevents them from doing so or because they themselves choose not to do so to avoid being "a burden" for their relatives. A situation of discomfort that must be reversed.
Older people need a greater welcome from their relatives in summer, in order to prevent them from feeling loneliness and abandonment. For this, there are various alternatives that can be put into practice. In this way, all family members can enjoy the summer equally, each in their own way.
One of the easiest tips to implement is simply to coordinate family vacations so that older people can participate in them. That is, opting for plans and means of transport that are suitable so that they can also enjoy those moments of fun with their family. Although this is not possible due to certain limitations, such as health status or level of dependency, the alternative will be planning that prevents these people from spending several days alone or without the company of their relatives.
Another possibility that should be considered, especially if the elderly person must spend a few days in solitude, would be to hire a professional to care for them during this period of time. In this way, it will be possible to ensure her well-being, while the family is absent, and provide her with company and attention during those days.
Fortunately, there is increasing awareness around the fact of preventing the elderly from suffering from unwanted loneliness. Mostly in summer. So possibly it will not be difficult to find group activities in the city in which they can participate. This will also allow them to socialize with people other than their family environment. In addition to giving them an extra excuse to leave the house, a great help to avoid a sedentary lifestyle at that age.
